The UA is hosting representatives of higher institutions from 11 countries to explore networking and partnership opportunities.

Amanda Ballard

,

University Relations - Communications

May 20, 2014

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From Singapore to Copenhagen, representatives of higher institutions from 11 countries will explore potential collaboration opportunities with the University of Arizona this week as part of the University's first-ever Partner Day.

The UA Office of Global Initiatives is hosting Partner Day to provide international partners the chance to learn more about the UA and identify potential opportunities for research collaborations, study abroad ventures, language learning programs and more.

The representatives include directors, chancellors, deans and study abroad coordinators from institutions including the Australian National University, Chile's Universidad Mayor, the National University of Singapore, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México and the University of Copenhagen.

Mike Proctor, vice president for Global Initiatives at the UA, said Partner Day was organized to take advantage of visits already planned by representative attending the NAFSA Association of International Educators Conference, a major worldwide international education conference happening next week in San Diego. On Thursday and Friday, Partner Day participants will tour the UA campus and attend presentations on global partnerships, UA research and potential collaboration opportunities.

"These partnerships help grow the UA's knowledge creation and the research capacity of our campus and result in incredibly innovative opportunities for our faculty, staff and students," Proctor said, noting that partnering is one of the pillars of the UA's Never Settle strategic plan.

James Anaya, UA Regents' Professor of Law and the James J. Lenoir Professor of Human Rights Law and Policy, will give the Partner Day's plenary talk on Friday at 9 a.m. in the Integrated Learning Center. Anaya serves as the United Nations special rapporteur on the rights of indigenous peoples. His presentation is titled "Advocating for the Rights of Indigenous Peoples: Global Connections."

"His involvement in this event is wonderful," Proctor said. "His reputation as a leader in working with indigenous people adds a dimension of global relevance to this event. The work of James and his colleagues has helped position the UA as a thought leader in this area and provides tremendous context to a global issue that all of our attendees must come to better understand."

Anaya's talk is open to the public, although seating is limited. Those interested in attending should contact Mary Ann Berg in the UA Office of Global Initiatives at maryannb@email.arizona.edu.

Proctor said that in an increasingly interrelated global society, it will continue to be crucial for the UA to explore international partnerships with institutions around the world. Currently, the Office of Global Initiatives partners with more than 200 international institutions.

"These opportunities improve the global footprint of the University of Arizona," he said. "Each partnership, in the long run, also improves the cultural awareness of the UA and enhances the experience of UA students."

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